A DRUG dealer will become the first to receive a life-saving award while behind bars, after rescuing a young girl from being swept out to sea off the mid Wales coast.

Anti-drug campaigners and police have criticised the decision to give the award to convicted heroin dealer Paul Parry.

One councillor said it would be better to give him the award after he is released from jail.

Parry, 32, from Aberystwyth, will be the first prison inmate in the UK to be presented with a Royal Humane Society award.

Earlier this year, the father-of-two was jailed for five-and-a-half years for being the ringleader of a drug gang dealing heroin in the seaside town.

Parry and his father Dai, 54, braved gale force winds and fierce waves to save the 15-year-old girl who had plunged 30 feet on to rocks from the harbour jetty.

The awards were made on the recommendation of the girl's father and coast-guard manager George Crumpler.

Last night, former Ceredigion County Council chairman Coun Goronwy Edwards, of Penparcau, Aberystwyth, a friend of the Parrys, said: "He saved a life and to me he deserves it, although drugs are killing people off and he's been pushing drugs.

"I can't understand why Paul was selling drugs. I've seen him grow up from when he was in a pram." South Wales Police Chief Inspector Paul Cannon said: "There is no way this man should be given a humane society award.

"Instead, he should be reviled for his part in this evil trade."

The Parrys will each be awarded bronze medals by the Royal Humane Society and a certificate signed by its president, Princess Alexandra.

Society Secretary Major General Christopher Tyler defended the award. He said: "Theirs was a remarkable feat of bravery and endurance, for which I know the girl's family will remain forever grateful." Coastguard Mr Crumpler, who put forward the Parrys for the award, said: "He was just a member of the public who carried out a rescue."

The teenager suffered terrible injuries when she leaped into the sea at Trefechan. The 15-year-old lost most of her teeth and has been receiving treatment for a serious hip injury.

Carmarthen Crown Court heard she had been encouraged to commit suicide by a 15-year-old boy, who became the first juvenile in the UK to be charged with attempting to aid and abet, counsel or procure a suicide.

A jury heard he gave her tequila to drink and then helped her on to the sea front where she fell on to rocks. The boy walked home and waited 90 minutes before telephoning for help. Judge Gerald Price banned him from setting foot in Wales before 2005.